Justice C.A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Benin City, on Thursday, dismissed a ₦504.3 million damages claim filed against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a sting operation conducted on May 23, 2023.
The plaintiff, Christopher E. Mene (Esq), had sought ₦4.37 million in special damages for alleged property damage and ₦500 million in exemplary damages.
He claimed EFCC operatives broke doors during the raid on his property.
In his ruling, Justice Obiozor held that Mene failed to prove his entitlement to the claims. He noted that EFCC evidence showed criminals were arrested in the premises, with 18 already convicted.
The court ruled that Mene’s grievance should have been directed at his tenants, who, under their tenancy agreement, undertook not to use the property for illegal activities and to indemnify the landlord for damages.
Declaring EFCC’s actions lawful, the judge stated: “Let law enforcement agencies breathe and be allowed to do their work.”
He cited Section 12 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which empowers security operatives to forcibly enter premises when necessary in the course of lawful duties.
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